As a professional pet sitter with years of experience caring for Snoopy and Buddy’s of all shapes and sizes, I can tell you one thing: moving with pets is no small thing.
Your furry friends are just as stressed as you are about the move, trust me. Pets thrive on routine, and moving means a whole lot of unpredictability.
But don’t worry, Moving APT has you covered with pro experience tips to make your move less stressful for both you and your pets.
1. Prepare Your Pet for the Move
The first step in a smooth move for your pet is preparation ahead of time. Just as you will plan your own move in advance, it’s important to start getting your pet ready too. A few months before moving day, start introducing small changes to your pet’s routine. Just like back in the day when you were house training them.
For example, if you can, start familiarizing your pet with the travel crate or carrier they’ll be using during the move. You can do this by placing their favorite toys or treats inside to make the carrier a more inviting and less intimidating place and don’t close the door. You should leave the carrier open for them to explore, and for dogs, you can practice short trips in the car. This will help ease their anxiety when the big move arrives.
If your pet has medical needs, it’s a great idea to visit the vet early on. Ask for a copy of their medical records, and look for a new vet in your new area. Many pets become anxious with long travel, so it’s also worth asking your vet for recommendations on how to keep them calm during the journey or if they may need sleeping pills.
2. Update Your Pet’s ID
Before you even pack a box, make sure your pet’s id is up-to-date. Moving to a new neighborhood means that your pet will be exposed to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. This increases the risk of them getting lost if they escape the new yard.
Get your pet a new collar and tag with your new address and phone number, and if your pet isn’t microchipped, consider getting it done before the move. Microchips are the most reliable form of id and can help reunite you with your pet if they slip out of the house in the excitement of settling into a new spot.
3. Keep Your Pet's Routine
Pets rely on routine for comfort and security, so one of the most important things you can do during a move is keep their schedule as consistent as possible.
Try to maintain the same feeding times and walking schedules as usual. This will help your pet feel grounded despite all the boxes and changes all around.
If you can, hire a pet sitter to take care of them during the packing and actual moving process. This will help prevent your pet from becoming overly stressed from being in the middle of the chaos and ease their anxiety.
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4. Pack Your Pet’s Essentials Last
Just as you would pack your most essential items last and unpack them first, the same applies to your pet’s belongings. Pack their food, bowls, bedding, toys, and other necessities last so they have access to them until the very last minute.
These familiar items will provide comfort and reassurance during the move. If you are driving your private car to the new home throw a toy in there and let your pet take the wheel.
Once you arrive at your new home, try to unpack your pet’s essentials first. Set up their bed, food and water bowls, and a few toys in a quiet, safe space. Having these things immediately available will help them settle in faster and feel more secure in their new environment.
5. Traveling with Your Pet
How you travel with your pet depends on their species, size, and comfort level with car rides. Here are some travel tips for different types of pets:
Man’s Best Friend
- Before the trip: Take your dog on several shorter car trips before the move to help them get used to the car ride. Make sure they pee and poop beforehand.
- On the day of the move: Keep your dog in a secured crate or harness while traveling to prevent distractions while driving. Bring their favorite blanket, some snacks, and water to keep them comfortable. If it’s a long trip, plan for regular breaks for bathroom needs.
- Motion sickness: If your dog tends to get car sick, ask your vet about options for travel medications.
Feline Friends
- Before the trip: Cats are usually less fond of car trips than dogs, so make sure your cat has plenty of time to get used to their carrier. Leave the door open at home so they can explore the carrier at their desire and try to make it as comfy as possible.
- On the day of the move: Keep your cat in their carrier with a soft blanket or towel, and keep the car ride calm and quiet. Cats tend to be sensitive to changes in their environment, so avoid loud music or sudden stops. You might also want to bring a litter box, depending on the length of the trip.
- Litter: If you are moving locally, avoid letting your cat out of the carrier during the car ride if possible. Cats tend to feel safer when they are confined to a smaller space during stressful situations.
Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)
- Before the trip: If you have smaller pets, use secure, well-ventilated carriers for travel. For rabbits and guinea pigs, use a sturdy cage or crate.
- On the day of the move: Keep them in their secure carrier throughout the trip, and bring along their bedding and some familiar food to help comfort them. Keep petting them throughout the journey and hold them for part of it if you can.
Birds
- During the trip: If your bird is used to being out of its cage, let them get used to traveling in their cage with the door closed if you feel comfortable driving like this.
6. Settling into Your New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s important to give your pet time to adjust to their new home too. Here are a few steps to make the transition simple:
- Introduce them to the new space gradually: For cats and small animals, it’s best to introduce them to one room at a time. For dogs, take them on regular walks around the neighborhood to familiarize them with the new smells and sights. Take them as well on walks around the house.
- Keep them confined to one room initially: While you’re unpacking, confine your pet to one room so they feel safe and secure. Once the move is over, you can slowly let them explore the rest of the house at their own pace.
- Keep to their routine: Try to stick to the same feeding times and walking schedules, playtimes as much as possible to take down anxiety of the unknown.
- Create a familiar space: Set up your pet’s bed, toys, food, and water bowls as quickly as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I start preparing my pet for a move?
It’s key to begin preparing your pet at least 2-3 weeks before the move. This includes getting them used to their carrier, updating their id and chip, and beginning to make small changes to their routine so they will take to the changes easier.
How can I reduce my pet’s anxiety during the move?
Keep their routine as consistent as possible, use familiar items like bedding and toys, and take practice trips in the car. For long-distance moves, ask your vet about calming meds or natural remedies. Speak to them calmly and give them extra love during this period.
Should I board my pet during the move with a sitter?
If possible, you can consider putting your pet with a trusted sitter or at a kennel during the move, especially if the move is long-distance or very chaotic. This can reduce their stress and give them a safe, quiet space while you settle in. Try to introduce them to this place ahead of time.
What should I do if my pet gets lost during the move?
Make sure your pet is microchipped and has updated identification tags with your new address and phone number. If they go missing, contact local shelters and use social media to spread the word quickly.
How long does it take for pets to adjust to a new home?
Every pet is different, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for them to fully adjust. Maintaining their routine will help speed up the process.
By taking the time to plan, prepare, and maintain a sense of routine, you can help make your pet’s move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Moving APT has been moving families with all types of zoos in their home for over 22 years. Take our word for it that Snoopy will be just fine!